OpenAI and Anthropic, two companies that spend most of their time competing with each other, just found something they agree on: the US government needs to get better at reviewing advanced AI models before they reach the public. The unlikely alliance is pushing Washington to create a coherent national framework for evaluating frontier AI systems, with a particular eye on the national security risks posed by advanced Chinese open-weight models.
The joint appeal, which surfaced on July 22, 2026, comes at a moment when the AI race between the US and China is no longer a subplot.
What the companies are actually asking for
In early June 2026, the Trump administration issued an executive order establishing a voluntary 30-day review process for advanced AI models before public release.
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have already adjusted their release schedules in response. OpenAI has placed limits on its GPT-5.6 Sol model, while Anthropic has done the same with its Claude variants, including one called Mythos 5. The restrictions are framed around cybersecurity considerations.
